Finding freedom. Falling in love. Forging a future. The walls of a prison provide a certain sense of security. And when those barriers are gone, all these ex-cons have is one shot at a future they never thought possible. Embark upon the journey five women take as they learn who they really are once they’ve been granted their freedom. With the Second Chance Ranch, they get more than they ever imagined. From falling in love and finding themselves, their stories will pull at your heartstrings as you cheer for unlikely heroes—heroes who will steal your heart. With one click, these women will be set free—for good.
International bestselling author of over 30 novels, Kelly Collins writes with the intention of keeping love alive. Always a romantic, she blends real-life events with her vivid imagination to create characters and stories that lovers of contemporary romance, new adult, and romantic suspense will return to again and again.
“She attacked the burden of putting her house back together with the determination of a toothless man committed to eating a steak.”
“Could it be possible Kerrick McKinley like me? If so, I felt grateful for his lack of good judgment.”
“I want to kiss you in front of the world and let every ogling man know you’re off limits, especially Roland. You may think of him like a brother, but I see him look at you and I don’t like it. If he’s a brother, then he’s an incestuous little bastard.”
“Look at me…. I want to see the passion in your eyes. I want to look into your soul and know that I’ve touched it deeply.”
“I realized I was offered an encore performance in my life, and I intended to earn a standing ovation for my future efforts.”
Set Aside
“His excuse was like Kool-Aid poured into a wine bottle. The color pleasing but the taste failed."
"Lord if she thought three beers could pickle her liver then I was well on my way to being completely preserved."
"Looking between the two men, I watched to see if fists would fly. No fists, just look that could curl toenails. The tension was as thick as motor oil."
"I sounded as bitchy as a retail worker on Black Friday."
"A kiss said a lot about a person. A quick peck said, 'Hi, you're okay.' A French kiss showed intense interest. When your lips were attracted to each other like a magnet to metal, was when you knew you shared more than raw passion or simple attraction."
"I carried a tune like a blind man with a spear. I stabbed at it but rarely hit my mark."
Set In Stone
“Would I ever feel like I wasn't a scab on someone's arm?"
"Mickey didn't need to defend her man. It was obvious he treated her well. Hell, when she smiled she had all her teeth. The man was obviously a gem."
"I reminded myself that many bad things started with men: menstruation, menopause, and mental illness, to name a few. I continued the list in my head - meningitis, menacing - but damn if I didn't get too distracted by the stallion tattoo etched into his chest to think of more."
"I hope you get tested often. That girl is a walking petri dish."
"One thing I knew from my time in prison was that the way to a woman's heart was through her children, or, if there were no children involved, through chocolate."
"Yes there were other women before you, but there will never be another. You're it for me. What you have to decide is if I'll be too much or not enough for you."
My Review:
Second chance love and life stories for an ex-con with a history of poor choices is not an uncommon trope or choice for the main character, but it is when the ex-cons are women newly released from the same prison. I was intrigued by storylines of this series and enjoyed the odd juxtaposition of the characters. I have always enjoyed Ms. Collins clever humor and amusing metaphors. She has a knack for steamy romances with an underlying and unexpected sweetness to her interesting yet deeply flawed characters. They are typically complicated and captivating. I find her writing to be smart and insightful, as well as entertaining. The protagonists in these stories were instantly attracted yet wary of each other, but thankfully, their passion and chemistry - and years of forced celibacy - were too hard to fight back. I am already looking forward to the next parolee.
Set Free this is a ARC cop given in exchange for an honest review . so what do you do when you get free and enter the world after a year in captivity . and find that everything you once knew has been taken from you . and what if a perfect stranger gives you a ride but can be so much more . and what if you have someone who thinks you owe them when they ruined themselves with out your help . and finally what happens when tragedy strikes and yet a miracle happens find out by either buying this book or using kindle unlimited . stay tuned for books set aside and set in stone review as well as the box set . Set Aside this is a ARC review but got this by using my KU on amazon . so what do you do when you are free and then find out the truth of why you were in prison due to jealousy and by the two people that she thought she could trust . but what happens when you meet a cowboy who turns your world on its axis and becomes more than her ex ever was . losing everything to gain a family so what happens when a cowboy sees a ex con is that all she may be to him or will his heart open to the possibility of something more . and who framed her can it be an unknown or her ex best friend or her ex or both . find out what happens by buying or KU this book and then review it . stay tuned for set in stone . Killians and Megan's story . and something tells me it may be a story that is kink meets shy so lets see how their story begins and ends . Set in Stone this is an ARC review given in exchange for an honest review . also i got this on KU due to the fact it is a late review due to my life and health . anyways so what happens when you have a sexy cowboy who turns your world and heart yet treats you with care but everyone seems to think he is into something he isn't . and what if a sexy vixen enters into your life and makes you question everything you have ever thought . when you need control but what if the woman you wont be controlled can these two come to an understanding of joint control or will they lose each other due to their pasts and wants that can make them lose each other . and stay tuned for the box set review . and look for later on Set Up not sure which story it will be with Cole or Tyler or one of the other McKinley's siblings with Natalie or Robyn or could Roland be part of the process . find out by checking in on when Set Up is available ,
Set Free - I really liked this book and can't wait to meet Mickey's friends and Kerrick's brothers.
Set Aside - I think book 2 was even better than book 1. I liked that Holly's outlook on life, after she was released from prison, was still optimistic. I think what I really like about this book it that it incorporates the characters we met in the first book but builds a stand alone story for this new couple. Still looking forward to meeting the rest of the women from Cell Block C.
Set in Stone - Another fine addition to the series. This book was just a sweet love story between Megan and Killian (the last single McKinley living at the Second Chance Ranch). There is no additional drama in this book (book 1 had Mickey's ex and book 2 had Holly's career) it is just the story of an abused woman trying to take control of her life and the man that helps her. Once again the whole gang at the ranch are around for support (though they are most absent in this book). I received Set in Stone from the Author in return for an honest review (I purchased the first two books in this series).
I am a sucker for quick, almost insta-love and second chance romances. This series had both. It also had a different kind of theme where the second chance was actually for the heroines, NOT the men. I really enjoyed the story of each couple as the women found their own way with the men who were meant for them.
Another great series by Kelly Collins. I love all three of the stories and love seeing the happily ever after, since they've been through so much in their lives.
I loved this series. 3 women who are ex-cons find themselves and true love on Mickey's horse ranch with the sexy McKinley brothers. Mickey, Holly and Megan each overcome their fears and their past learning to trust again and fall in love.
3 great books about 3 women needing to find their voices, their way and in the best way 3 men to love and understand where each of them have come from and where they are going next.
I enjoyed all the cell C jail birds stories. It's so sad that the served jail time for the it crimes. I'm glad the had a second chance at love. I also love protective mail alpha cowboys. Swoon. Great read.
Loved them After reading Redeeming Ryker, I knew I wanted to read more from this author, I finished that series and decided on this one. I loved these women and their stories. Everyone deserves a second chance
I cannot find enough words to describe this book. I can relate to all the female characters so much. Great books.. amazingly written amazingly beautiful.
Second Chance series is about people who are seeking redemption despite actions and choices that cost them greatly. I read books 1 and 2 individiaually then found the box set so finished with that.... Book 3 Set in Stone ....I Think was another 5 star read .... One split second, cost Megan her freedom and threw her world into chaos. Now faced with the opportunity to rebuild a life away from the confines of prison, she must come to terms with her lot in life and forgive herself in order to move forward. .... Megan is a lovely young woman who has had a crap start in life. She was neglected and abused by her mother and then by her partner. She has trust issues & really has had enough of people in her life taking from her & making her feel worthless. Killian is a true blue Alpha. He is in control of his life in every aspect & will not give that up for anything or anyone. Then he meets Megan and learns the hard way that not giving up control does not mean someone doesn't have any power over you!! what I love is that no matter how skittish Megan can get, Killian persists with her & teaches her that she is control of herself & she has free will. He is gentle and patient with her at all times. In turn and unknowingly Megan teaches Killian a whole lot about himself.
I love that the horses were incorporated into this story to help with Megan's healing and personal growth. It adds another dimension to the story as a whole. The characters evolve throughout the story and by the time you get to the end, you can see they still have some of the same traits but have grown significantly into themselves & each other.... Book 4 Set up .. was about debutante Natalie and the vet Roland... Natalie, former debutante, high society girl with $15,000 shoes, mean girl friends, sports cars, spa trips,etc. After her time in prison, Natalie's goal was to get her inheritance and go back to her pre-prison life. When her mother, who controlled the purse strings told Natalie she had 30 days to prove she could make a difference in someone's life and then they'd discuss her inheritance. Natalie thought of things that would make her look good, like get a dog, (she could give it away later), volunteer to help Mickey with the fundraiser (short term), work for Roland the vet (then she could quit). She wasn't going to completely unpack. Why bother. But Natalie met Roland and vice versa. And even though he thought she was bad for him, the sparks ignited!! She thought he was HOT and that he was NOT the nice guy everyone thought he was. He thought she was TROUBLE but oh so exciting. Did he want exciting? Natalie has to decide what is worth more, money or relationships. Natalie's journey to finding herself and true happiness is an emotional roller coaster. This book actually had me needing kleenex for tears of happiness, the emotional hurt, and most of all what true love brings when she finally realizes what it is.... awesome story of love and redemption.... Roland had tried his hand with the first 2 ladies Mickey had brought home from jail but since he had earned the title of "Mr. Nice Guy" he really figured he just should not even bother but when Natalie stepped out of the truck and fell flay on her hands and knees something struck Roland's heart and mind with the wow factor.... he mended to her wounds and soon they were running hot an cold .. he realized he wanted something with natalie but then again did he want the trouble she would bring she was shallow she had no heart no direction she thought of nothing but rishes and herself she was shallow and selfish.... but the draw to her was soon to much and the connection was made and they overcame the obstacles to become partners, and Roland found his HEA with his debutante ex con and now to book 5 ...Set On You ... Martial arts expert Robyn Armou is released from prison after serving five years for defending herself when she was attacked. during their time in jail Robyn had helped the girls to learn self defense ... Keanan McKinley, the oldest brother of the four McKinley boys is at the ranch to attend his brother's wedding and not happy to be away from his ranch in Wyoming. He also does not like that all the women are ex-cons and at his first meeting with Robyn, he lets her know how he feels.... with an escape artist colt, an ex-boyfriend that won't take no for an answer although he is now married with a son and another child on the way, a parole officer with lots of attitude and a developing romance ... it seems everything is keeping Robyn quite busy.
I love how the big tough cowboy's thru out these stories turn into considerate and thoughtful lovers and protector for Robyn and all the girls. The group at the ranch worked together to figure out how to help the orphan colt and Robyn played a critical role in the solution. The trouble with the ex-boyfriend escalated to add dangerous situations to the plot of Set On You... over all this series was an awesome set.... I would truly recommend to all readers .. EXCELLENT !
A thoroughly enjoyable series of books five girls who have spent time together in prison for a variety of crimes developed a close sisterhood that would stand the test of time. Mickey is the first to be released and a chance meeting with Kerrick one of the McKinley brothers sets the stage for the rest, she goes through a difficult time but ends up falling in love and setting her ranch up for all the other girls to come as they are released. Each of the girls come to stay as they get released and in turn find their own happy ever after. A very good feel good factor read with lots happening to keep your interest.
I've been making my way through Kelly Collins library since i discovered the hundred series, and i didn't even read the description before I grabbed this set. First, i love a box set, having each book together and ready to go. Second, i love cowboys! I honestly could not pick a favorite book/couple in this set, they were all great. Totally worth picking up
Really enjoyable series. 5 leading ladies who had bonded in prison, and how they get their HEA with their men, who happen to be 4 brothers and a best friend. Worth spending some quality time with the McKinley family. You won't be disappointed.
A good read and I enjoyed the stories, but is the American Justice system really that bad? How can they imprison people for protecting themselves, and do prisoners not have the right to appeal as we do here in England?
A satisfying collection each book has a interesting and often moving story to tell. The characters are well-written and believable they may have a struggle but they all get their own happy ending. I could happily read more about them all
WOW loved all 4 stories. Each book is great on it’s own, but you will want to read them all. How each character finds themselves and their new life. A lot of great romance.